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12.28.2011

Gosh I was tired when Christmas finally came around. I have had such a hard time falling asleep at night and then think that if I wake up earlier that it might get better. Nope! Regardless, Gary and I headed to Strawberry Village for Oelrich Christmas with much excitement for the day's events. We love coming home because the food is always amazing and it's just fun to see everyone (AND DAISY!) I can't wait for next year when EVERYONE will be around (Cough Cough - A,N,& M!)

The appetizers were great, the dinner amazing, the whipped cream with pie stellar and the blokus game AWESOME :) Gary and I will have to buy that sometime!

I find date nights really important. I think that it is a dedicated time to spend time with each other doing things that you don't normally do or don't do every day. We LOVE going out to eat but that can get expensive reaaaaaaaaallly quickly. Besides that, it gets boring. Sure, we love the good food, but doing different things together is perhaps a little more important. Gary desperately wants to go bowling but I talked him in to something else...

Making Gingerbread Houses!!

I have such fond memories of building gingerbread houses from kindergarten or first grade where the whole class made a little gingerbread village. SO MUCH FUN! Our houses didn't quite measure up to this but it was still fun. We had such a difficult time getting the house to actually stay up without falling (It sure is frustrating when you have to be patient :)!) Next time we'll go with a more simple approach aka just like elementary school with milk cartons and graham crackers!

Note: I bought these gingerbread house kits from Luther College Ministries. The Habitat for Humanities group was selling these for their upcoming trip! Glad I could give to such a great cause.

At some event last month, the kitchen made an insane feta cheese dip that I could not stop nibbling on. It was a dip that I dreamed about often. Yes, I had dreams about this dip. I talked to Gary about it at some point and he seemed just as excited to try it. SO it was my goal to make it and thought that a family Christmas was the perfect platform. I have to say that I was a bit nervous to try a new recipe that I wasn't even sure was THE recipe on a group of people but thought I might as well.

The day before I was to make it, I worked with the individual who actually made the dip. He so kindly shared with me the recipe he had used and IT WAS THE EXACT SAME RECIPE! I just about peed with excitement.

Needless to say, I made the dip and I feel like it was a hit. If not with the family, it sure was for Gary and I. Seriously, this dip is amazing.

12.22.2011

Gary's work held a potluck this week for all their workers. How cute, right? I talked Gary in to making a bbq meatball recipe because I remembered how much he peed about the ones Bridget made for the Oelrich Christmas gathering on January 1, 2011. Did he remember what I was talking about? Of course not, but he signed up to make that anyway. A day or two before the potluck I then asked what everyone else was bringing. He rattled off a number of things, all including meat. Why on earth did he let me talk him in to bringing meatballs??? Dork! Anyway, they turned out quite well and they were all gone by the time Gary returned from work. I suppose that means they were a success! Crock pot BBQ Meatballs*

*I created my master meatballs (see What's for Dinner {4})** and used the directions from the link above.

**I didn't add mozzarella balls and somehow forgot to put in the dijon. No worries, they still tasted like candy!!

Sauce1 large bottle of regular BBQ Sauce (don’t go too thick on the sauce you need to be able to stir)1/2 C. Grape Jelly

Preheat oven to 350. Get a nonstick cookie sheet ready. Get a large skillet and drizzle about 2 TBS. of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the pan, this needs to be hot but do not turn it up to high you don’t want to burn the oil.

Get your hands dirty! Start mixing the meat and seasonings together. Then start forming one inch balls, just like you would for peanut butter cookies.

Carefully lower the balls into your hot oiled skillet. You want to put them in here to sear them, give them a nice color and lock the flavors in. You may have to turn them a couple times to get even color.

When you have some great color on your meatballs transfer them to your cookie sheet and put them in the oven to finish cooking them. Mine were done after 15 minutes but start with ten and make sure you test one by opening it and seeing that its well done.

Transfer your cooked meat to the crock pot and then cover them with half the bottle of BBQ sauce and the jelly. Stir it and get them coated, then stir in the rest of the BBQ sauce. Put the mixture on the temp that makes them bubble a little but not boil. Let simmer for 2 hours before devouring the entire crock pot. Recipes makes approximately 54 mini balls.

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***Don't worry - this was taken after a semi-sear and before baking. They should end up well done once finished in the oven.

12.19.2011

Since returning to Decorah, I've been dying to try the Tap Room located in the Hotel Winneshiek. They've done really well over the last few months and even started a Happy Hour menu. Gary and I finally made it over for drinks and an appetizer on Friday, December 16.

Part of my excitement was being able to get my drink of choice for only $3 - Malbec, which is normally $5. I had done a wine tasting at the hotel a while back and LOVED this wine and the Sangeovise but that one is no longer on the menu. They are both reds that pair really well with red meat. And boy do I love my red meats :) STEAK! Speaking of, we got an incredible appetizer called the Steak & Potato Stacks for only $4. This usually goes for $8. Sweeeeet! The stack comprises of a red potato, sliced filet mignon (OMG), a blue cheese butter, and a cherry tomato. My mouth is watering just thinking of it. Rest assured, I'll be back for more.

We decided that we would splurge on getting a meal too but headed to Rubaiyat for that because Gary was peeing his panties over their chicken sandwich. I've got to say I was pleasantly surprised with my order. My last go at this restaurant wasn't so pleasant, but I'll just keep my comments to myself because it's been a few years since I didn't like what I was served. I'd say that's a pretty good track record. PS: we haven't actually sat in the restaurant for a few years. It's just so gosh darn expensive. Besides, the bar has really great offerings - usually smaller portions of items on the regular menu.

I've been dying to try make my first crack at making a delicious broccoli cheddar soup. I somehow got up the courage to make it last week and was sooo excited. Amanda had mentioned on one of my pins that all the times she's tried making the soup that it always separates. I've gotta say that going in, I thought I was golden. All the recipes I found seemed to really spell out the directions and none of the reviews mentioned this problem. When I had finished the soup I could tell that it hadn't completely melded together as all of the other broccoli cheddars I'd seen but it tasted fine. Gary and I then decided to leave it on the stove to simmer for 30 minutes while we watched something on tv. BAD IDEA. When we came back to the kitchen the soup had completely curdled and was inedible. It was so sad. I later found something online that said you should only leave the cheese on the heat until it's melted. Then remove because you'll end up with curdled soup. Disgusting. I'll just have to try again sometime.

I feel so behind in my blogging, I'm beginning to feel guilty. I have had so many good ideas for blog posts but seem to forget about them when it's about time to blog. SORRY. I've made some fun recipes lately but they've fallen a little short of my expectations.

The first was not a dinner, but a dessert. I had been craving pumpkin for so long so I thought it'd be fun for Gary and I to make a cute little dessert to bring to our Thanksgivings. They were super fun to make and tasted fine. They just weren't spectacular. I wanted them to be so amazing that you couldn't help to eat the whole bin. Sadly I think there is still a container of them in the fridge...Oops.

I waited so long to post about this that I can't even remember what recipe I used. I found one from my pinterest board but it's just a little different. However, it'd do. It's roughly the same concept minus the cookie crumbs on top.

Melt the 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips in a double boiler over medium-low heat or in the microwave for about 1 minutes. Stir often to keep the chocolate from burning. Transfer to a large bowl. Add gingersnap crumbs, pumpkin, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, zest, cinnamon, salt and cream cheese and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Transfer to a shallow bowl, cover and chill until just solid enough to roll into balls, about 2 hours.

Line a large sheet tray with parchment paper. Melt remaining 2 cups white chocolate almond bark and transfer to a small, deep bowl. Roll 1 heaping teaspoon of the pumpkin mixture into a ball in your hands, then drop into the chocolate. Working quickly, gently spoon chocolate over to coat. Using a small spoon or fork, lift the truffle out of the chocolate, shake off excess and transfer to prepared sheet tray. Dollop a bit of extra chocolate on any parts that remain exposed, then sprinkle a few gingersnap or graham cracker crumbs over the top, if you like.

Repeat process with remaining pumpkin mixture and chocolate, then chill truffles until chocolate is completely set, about 1 hour.

I still have a love affair with pumpkin so I haven't quite given up yet. I'll find another recipe to try :)

Years ago I made a comment to Gary that the river seemed really high. Perhaps I've been a little sensitive about the river since the 2008 flood. Who knows. But ever since, he LITERALLY mentions that the river looks high every time we go over the bridge. It's actually charming unless I'm not in a good mood. Then it's just annoying :)

Anyhoo, I've made it a habit to take a picture of it on my walks. It seems that no matter when I do, it is just so darn pretty. I love it. It makes those days when it's super cold out but I have no choice to walk actually nice and refreshing. I haven't had to walk in snow yet but I look forward to talking a picture of a snow/ice covered river.

Here are the pictures I've taken since being back in D-town.

NOVEMBER 1, 2011

NOVEMBER 30, 2011

DECEMBER 12, 2011

As you can see, the geese have yet to travel to warmer climates. It has been such a nice winter thus far!

12.01.2011

November was a weird month as far as exercising goes. I was gung-ho for a solid week or two but then it kinda went to "gosh, I'm tired" or "gosh, I don't have time" or "gosh, I was on my feet for 10 hours today. Doesn't that count as my workout?" Clearly, I need to set a standard routine regardless of my non-standard work schedule. If I have a set time each day to do my daily exercises and to go on wii fit for even 10 minutes, I will do it. It's got to become a non-negotiable. End of story. Here is the monthly recap of my progress on this list item:

CRUNCHES*
12,000 GOAL 1670 COMPLETED as of 11/30
10,330 LEFT TO COMPLETE by 10/31/12

Average/Day = 27.8
Oct Average/Day = 39.5

*SAD! I went down in my average even though I increased the reps. A lot is to be said for doing these every day. I missed 13 days and made up only 3-4 of them. Not good.

PUSH-UPS
10,000 GOAL 1305 COMPLETED as of 11/30
8,695 LEFT TO COMPLETE by 10/31/12

Average/Day = 22.1 Boo.
Oct Average/Day = 30.4

SQUATS
10,000 GOAL 605 COMPLETED as of 11/30
9,395 LEFT TO COMPLETE by 10/31/12

Average/Day = 12.3
Oct Average/Day = 20.4

WALKING
5,200 GOAL (in minutes) 1004 COMPLETED as of 11/30
4,196 LEFT TO COMPLETE by 10/31/12

I'd say that November was a draw. I started out really strong and felt really good about my progress. I then started working again and things kiiiinnndddaaa fell to the wayside. I need to make a better action plan in order for me to follow through. Remember, exercise is a NON-NEGOTIABLE!

My goal for December is to make up for the days I missed in November. It's important to not push myself too hard so I will do two sets of reps per day of each exercise that must be completed before I shower.

11.25.2011

I have so much to be thankful for this year. I have grown so much as an individual and am working on spreading that growth to other areas of my life - as a wife, as a sister, as a daughter, as an employee etc. I keep wanting to learn more about how to be more effective and organized and motivated - these are all good things for me right now. I am thankful for my desire to learn.

Other things I am thankful for this year:

1. Gary - he has been my rock this entire year. We've had crazy highs and crazy lows and I got through each and every one of them with him by my side. He is an amazing person that I simply would not be the same without. He inspires me to be a better person and do what is right in all situations.

2. Wii Fit - I have loved working out for much of my life but it's the lack of motivation or desire to get off my behind to do anything. I know the importance of being fit and healthy and THE easiest way for me to work off some calories is definitely Wii Fit. I have fun doing these things and it provides just a wee bit of competition (against myself) which is a mentally healthy thing to have in my brain. That competition is almost the sole reason why I keep going. Seeing progress also does that :)

3. Decorah - I adore Decorah. It is such a beautiful town with such character. I feel at home here and cannot wait to raise a family here. I love how easy it is to get from one side of town to the other, that I can walk home at night without feeling scared, that I know people around town, blah blah blah. This is SO much better than the Twin Cities!

4. The Hotel Winn - I am SO glad to be working here again. I feel appreciated and people respect and count on me. I also love that I am always moving. Not only is this a good workout, but I feel more organized when I am not constantly sitting at a desk. Having to be in multiple places on a given shift, I HAVE to be organized and on top of my game, there is no other option.

5. TV on DVD/Netflix - The TV in our room no longer works (of course!) so I am very thankful for the use of netflix and all those tv shows I have on DVD to keep me company. I would be soooo bored without them :)

6. Potatoes - I'm having a love affair with potatoes this year. So good.

7. Budgeting - Though Gary and I are still getting the hang on a solid budgeting worksheet that we follow religiously, our mindsets are on the right page. We are working diligently now to build up our savings so that we may purchase a starter home in 2012. We WILL have a starter home in 2012.

Thank you 2011 for being such a good lesson for me. I went through some really tough times but am back to my normal self plus some. I can't wait for 2012.

11.20.2011

The food on a dinner date is the make or break moment. The last few dinner dates we've had have been sub-par (*cough*cough* irish bar anyone?) As you all know, I returned as an employee of the Hotel Winn and good grief I couldn't be happier. Things have come full circle and business seems to be turning around. The newly opened Tap Room looks amazing and we've added killer happy hour specials that I am DYING to try out. Albert's seems to be doing better as well. The food always looks great when it comes out of the kitchen. I decided on the day I returned that we HAD to eat there for our next dinner date. Thank goodness too. It was seriously the best meal I've had in a really long time.

I had the filet mignon. YUM.

Gary got the lobster tail :)

The new birthday special is pretty amazing too. You must come ON your birthday in order to get either a free 10oz sirloin or 6oz lobster tail in addition to a free cupcake that is enough to share. Any takers???

Though this probably qualifies for a "What's for Dinner" distinction, they aren't dinner recipes so alas, we'll just call it Super Sides! I've been trying my best to eat better these days (though recently I've eaten only goulash...) Eating my fruits and veggies seem more difficult than those lovely starches. Sooooo I decided to dress them up a bit.

Super Side #1 - Baked Cinnamon Apples

to make:
1. turn on oven to 200 degrees
2. slice your apples to your desired thickness. I usually got 3-5 slices per apple.
3. put apple slices on cookie sheet and sprinkle cinnamon on each slice
4. bake for 2 hours, flipping them halfway through

SO GOOOOOOOOD. Best way I've had bananas yet. Sadly I don't have a picture of this. I have a couple banana pins on pinterest though. One that you spread peanut butter on a banana slice and cover completely with melted chocolate. That one looks good too!

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I truly do love my starches so yes, I have a couple potato recipes :)

Super Side #3 - Oven-roasted Potatoes

to make:
1. I think I heat the oven to 425...I'm pretty sure I do it differently every time...
2. clean baby red potatoes
3. dice the babe reds to roughly half-inch or one-inch squares - mine are never uniform and they cook just fine
4. place in a mixing bowl
5. coat potatoes with a healthy dose of evoo, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper to taste
6. place on a cookie sheet making sure to spread them around (also make sure to get all that yummy olive oil goodness to the pan
7. cook for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown on outside and fully cooked on inside so it kinda melts in your mouth

This has got to be my favorite potato recipe. I don't have a pic of this either but I make it quite often to complement a good fish or chicken recipe.

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Super Side #4 - Mashed Potatoes

to make:
1. clean baby reds
2. dice baby reds
3. place in saucepan and cook until soft
4. meanwhile, dice a clove or two of garlic
5. place garlic, unsalted butter and milk in a saucepan and cook on low - do not let it boil
6. drain potatoes and mash
7. add the butter mixture and 1/2 cup sour cream to mashed potatoes
8. I added more butter to taste along with a touch of salt and pepper

I didn't follow a recipe for this but used what we had in the fridge. Luckily for me, it turned out realllly good. I had a bit too much of goulash for lunch today so this served as a lovely dinner :)

11.10.2011

I am pleased to announce that I have officially broken through the 130lb barrier that I've been latched on to for 3 months. Get excited, folks. I weighed in at 129.4lbs after a long, lovely wii fit workout. I'll likely hover over the 130lb barrier for awhile but who cares. I have been waiting for this day for weeeeeeks.

I am also happy to say that all it takes it portion control, drinking more water, eating more fruits and veggies and getting in a good workout.

The past few days have flown on by. There has been some reshuffling at the Hotel so my hours to work have gone WAY up (which is AWESOME!!!!). I am getting plenty of hours in so that I can pay the bills but it sure does leave me tired. Yesterday was the first day that I couldn't fit in a 1.5 hour workout or reading. I decided as a compromise, I would fit in two 15 minutes sessions yesterday (completed) and try for 2 hours today. I'm currently sitting at 30 minutes. I'm thinking that I'll do some 30 minutes walk-in-place or jog-in-place sessions while watching TV. That will certainly get me there.

I also wanted to let Amanda know (I may have already but I forget :)) that I volunteered for DecorahReads! at the local public library. I found the ad for needing "buddies" on Decorahnow.com and thought, "Why not? I don't have a job!" Though I am more busy than I anticipated, I still have time to meet with my little 7th grade buddy for the next three Tuesdays. I had to go pick out my book this past Tuesday and I chose The Underneath. I haven't cracked open the book just yet but I think it's about a kitten and/or dog that kinda go out and find their way....Something like that. I'm looking forward to reading it and talking about it with my boy buddy!

Lastly, I bought tickets for Leta, Gary and myself to the 1:30p Spring Awakening show next Saturday (surprisingly enough, that is one day I don't have to work!...yet...) I am SOOO excited to see Luther's rendition of this musical. I went to it in New York 2.5 years ago (WOW that was a long time ago) and FELL SO MUCH IN LOVE it was crazy. It's a provocative, thought provoking, edgy show with cool music. Perhaps we'll hit up Ede's or the Oneota Co-op cafe before the show :)

That is all. I have to work everyday until the 17th so if I don't post for while, please forgive :)

11.07.2011

Today marks one full week in Decorah and it has been nothing but good. I have returned as an employee of the Hotel, which I am actually really pleased about. I like the new management and can see bits of hope all around the place. I'm proud to be a part of it all. My only worry is that it will be part time. I haven't heard back from another part time job I applied for. It would be great for me to have both of those so I could have a solid income. However, I will take life as it comes. If I end up not getting that other job, then Gary and I will learn to budget more efficiently (which is something we should do regardless, no?)

Other things I've been working on:

1. Having a solid workout each and every day. I started Wii Fit Plus about 5 or 6 days ago. Each day, I try to put in 1.5 hours and have worked off between 230-330 calories per session. What a great way to lose those calories. I work on my balance and posture and am using muscles that I wouldn't otherwise use. In addition, I make sure to get a walk in when the weather is nice or when I have to work. Luckily for us, the weather has been aaaammmaaaazzzziiinnnggg. Gary joined me on my walk yesterday which was perfect. We've recently decided to begin the process of purchasing our first home. We are miles and miles away from that but I do have my eye on one particular home. It's in a nice neighborhood close to the high school, has a little backyard and patio, 4 bedrooms, an unfinished basement, laundry, bathroom, etc. The one part I'm not a huge fan of - the black cabinets and red back splash in the kitchen. Oh it's dreadfully awful. Everything else I see though makes up for it. Anyway, I was able to walk Gary by this house.

2. I've begun reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Though only halfway through the book, I definitely recommend this to anyone. It's a very practical book and I know that if I put these habits in to place, I would become a much more effective person personally, in my home life, in my work life, etc. I probably WILL decide to buy this book to have it on reference.

Saturday, November 5
approx. 8:30a - wake up
shower
1.5 hours of wii fit
read one chapter in my book
2:15p - go to work
run up and down the stairs for 8 hours
10:40p - come home from work
poop around on the computer

How much sleep did I get? 6.5 hours. Realllly? This happens every time! Talk about completely wasted.

However, I knew this was going to be the case. As you may recall - I wii fitted for 1.5 hours. In that 1.5 hours I jogged in place for 30 minutes (while watching a top chef rerun!) and then did the bike thing twice, once on the ocean scenic view course which then opened up the expert level. I thought, why not?!

That was a bad idea. It took me 42 WHOLE MINUTES to complete the expert level.

At the time this was perfectly fine. I was feeling good and ready for work. But what happened at work? What normally happens of course - running up and down the stairs! I'm pretty sure I was running for 90% of my shift. What a great workout but wholly buckets my legs and feet were on fire.

To recap - it was my overstimulated lower limbs and and overstimulated mind that kept me awake. Let's keep that in mine for next time.

11.01.2011

I am slowly but surely chipping away at those 10,000 crunches and pushups. I'm actually quite proud of myself. Why? I set a goal and I haven't yet given up. That is cause for celebration. Here is the monthly recap of my progress on this list item:

CRUNCHES*
12,000 GOAL 870 COMPLETED as of 10/31
11,130 LEFT TO COMPLETE by 10/31/12

Average/Day = 39.5 (I started on Oct 9)

*[I increased my goal :-)]

PUSH-UPS**
10,000 GOAL 669 COMPLETED as of 10/31
9,331 LEFT TO COMPLETE by 10/31/12

Average/Day = 30.4 (I started on Oct 9)

**[I'm currently still doing assisted push-ups, but I hope to make it to the big girl push-ups in December]

I've actually added two more goals for the year. They are:

SQUATS
10,000 GOAL 265 COMPLETED as of 10/31
9,735 LEFT TO COMPLETE by 10/31/12Average/Day = 20.4 (I started on Oct 19)

WALKING
5,200 GOAL (in minutes) 585 COMPLETED as of 10/31
4,615 LEFT TO COMPLETE by 10/31/12

October was a good month for me. I set a goal and I am well on my way to achieve it. Let's hope November can be just as good. The results BETTER be higher because I'll be counting the entire month. Get excited.